Kalen DeBoer Lands New Monster Contract Extension With Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide fans have had a complicated relationship with head coach Kalen DeBoer.

The 51-year-old coach led Alabama to a 9-4 record in his first season after succeeding the legendary Nick Saban, and fans were ready to move on from him already.

Then after a 31-17 season-opening loss to Florida State last year, the calls were growing for DeBoer to be fired. However, he turned things around, leading the Tide to an 11-3 record the rest of the season and an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Fans were even worried about losing DeBoer months ago when he was rumored to be a frontrunner for the then-vacant Michigan head-coaching job.

Those fans can rest easy now after DeBoer agreed to a new seven-year extension with Alabama that will pay him $12.5 million per year and keep him in town through 2033. DeBoer is now one of the five highest-paid head coaches in college football.

"We are excited about the opportunity to continue our time in Tuscaloosa with this contract extension," DeBoer said in a statement. "This University has become a special place to us, and I look forward to working to ensure that Alabama football remains at the forefront of college football.

"This program has a long history of success and an unmatched tradition that I was eager to be a part of two years ago, and I cannot wait to keep coaching our guys and bring more championships to Alabama."

DeBoer's new deal includes a $10 million buyout if he leaves before the end of January 2027. His previous buyout was $5 million if he left before the same date, $4 million if he left before the 2028 season, and $3 million if he left before the 2029 season.

If DeBoer leaves for a new job before January 2028, his buyout will be $8 million, and it drops by $2 million the year after that.

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 1:44 PM.